🌟 May Momentum: Invest in Your Growth, Shape Your Community
Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship — April 2025 Newsletter
May brings fresh energy—and with it, new ways to move your business and leadership journey forward. This month, we’re spotlighting meaningful opportunities to help you grow, contribute, and create lasting impact.
Whether you’re ready to invest in essential equipment through our Blended Capital Grant Program, or you’re a local changemaker eager to shape the future of rural entrepreneurship as a CIE Board Member, momentum is on your side. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger and make an impact in your community.
⚙️ Invest In Your Business: Apply for the Blended Capital Grant Program
CIE’s Blended Capital Grant Program is here to help you invest in the future of your business. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your equipment, this is it. The program offers up to 90% reimbursement on the cost of new equipment, with grants of up to $3,000 for eligible businesses.
This is your chance to access vital tools that can help your business grow stronger and more efficient. Whether you need new tech, machinery, or other business essentials, CIE is here to support you.
Applications are open for a limited time, so if you’re ready to take the next step, don’t wait! Apply by May 15, 2025, and take advantage of this unique opportunity.
🤝 Leading Change: Join CIE’s Board of Directors and Make a Lasting Impact in Rural Washington
CIE is currently seeking community-driven leaders from the Peninsula, Skagit, and Columbia Basin regions to join our Board of Directors.
As a board member, you’ll work closely with our leadership team to guide the organization’s growth, uphold our mission, and ensure financial sustainability. Your expertise and vision will directly influence the support we provide to underserved entrepreneurs in rural Washington.
Serving on CIE’s Board provides an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the future of small businesses in rural communities. By joining the board, you’ll be part of a team working to foster economic development and support entrepreneurs who are driving change.
If you’re passionate about economic justice, entrepreneurship, and rural development, this is your chance to make a difference.
✨ Empowering Entrepreneurs: Join Our Trainings
If you have an idea for a new business, our Start Simple Course is the perfect way to get started. In just four two-hour group sessions, you’ll learn key business fundamentals to assess the feasibility of your goals. The course includes free one-on-one homework assistance from a Business Advisor and a final assessment of your Start Simple Plan. Available in English and Spanish, these sessions are designed to help you quickly move from idea to action.
Additionally, CIE’s Start Your Child Care program continues to support Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs looking to start home-based child care businesses. This three-session course, held in Toppenish, is offered in Spanish and covers essential business skills like navigating the start-up process, meeting licensing requirements, marketing, and record-keeping. Sponsored by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), this initiative empowers underserved communities across the state.
Visit our Calendar for event dates and to sign up!
Become a Donor!
By offering all our programs at no cost, we ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the dreams of those seeking to build generational wealth and fuel local development in their rural communities.
Join us in making a meaningful impact by donating today!
